Hebrew Language and Literature


Objectives


The Hebrew Language section of the Department of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies offers instruction in Hebrew language and literature, allowing students to acquire an advanced level of proficiency and a strong background in Jewish culture and literature. Courses are taught by faculty whose fields of specialization include Biblical studies, post-Biblical and Talmudic literature, modern Hebrew literature and culture, and Hebrew language. A concentration in Hebrew will prepare students for graduate school and professions in education, business, journalism, diplomacy, and other fields.


How to Become an Undergraduate Concentrator


Students who wish to concentrate in Hebrew must complete the language requirement no later than by the end of their second year at Brandeis. In addition, they must complete the following three prerequisites: (1) Any fourth semester Hebrew course excluding HBRW 42a. Exemptions will be granted only to those students who place out on the basis of the Hebrew placement test administered by the Hebrew program at Brandeis. (2) One course in classical Hebrew: HBRW 101a, 101b, or NEJS 72a (3) One course in modern Hebrew literature: HBRW 110a, 110b, 111a or 111b. Any course taken to fulfill the prerequisites may NOT count toward the major. Students are required to meet with the undergraduate advising heads in NEJS and Hebrew to develop a course of study in order to fulfill the program requirements and personal interests.


Faculty


See Near Eastern and Judaic Studies.


Requirements for the Undergraduate Concentration


The Concentration consists of eight semester courses, which may not overlap with courses taken to fulfill the language requirement and additional prerequisites. These eight courses are to include the following:

A. NEJS 1a (Foundational Course in Judaic Studies).

B. Two Advanced Composition and Grammar Study. HBRW 106b (Israel Today) and HBRW 108a (The Revival of Hebrew).

C. Two NEJS courses (in addition to those courses listed above) with at least one from each of the following categories:

1. Biblical and Rabbinic Hebrew: NEJS 53b, 72a, 114a, 114b, 115a, 117b, 118b, 120b, 122b, 123b, 125b, 126b, 127b, and 131b.

2. Modern Hebrew literature: NEJS 138a, 139b, 177a, 178a, 180b, and 182b.

D. At least one additional elective from the following courses: HBRW 103a, 104a, 104b, 105a, 107a, 107b, 109a, 110a, 110b, 111a, 111b, 119a, 119b or any of the NEJS courses listed above.

E. Either HBRW 97a or b (Senior Essay) or HBRW 99d (Senior Thesis—a full-year course) - both count toward the eight required courses; the essay or thesis must be written in Hebrew. Candidates for departmental honors must have a 3.5 GPA in Hebrew courses prior to the senior year.


Evaluation of Transfer Credits


A. No more than two courses taken at special programs for overseas students may be applied toward the major. Students are encouraged to seek advanced approval from the department's undergraduate advising head for all courses intended for transfer credit.

B. Credit will not be granted for Ulpan courses, but students may take the Hebrew Placement Test to place out of the Hebrew language requirement.


Requirements for the Minor


The minor consists of a sequence of five semester courses in Hebrew, two of which may be taken at other universities. At least one of the five courses must be a writing intensive course in Hebrew.

A. One course in Modern Hebrew Literature: HBRW 110a, 110b,

111a, 111b, NEJS138a, 139b, 177a, 178a, 180b, and 182b.

B. One course in Biblical or Rabbinic Hebrew: HBRW 101a, 101b,

NEJS 53b, 72a, 101a, 101b, 114a, 114b, 115a, 117b, 118b, 120b, 122b, 123b, 125b, 126b, 127b, 131b.

C. Three additional courses selected from the following HBRW 42a, 44b, 49b, 103a, 104a, 104b, 105a, 106b, 107a, 107b, 108b, 109a, 110a, 110b, 111a, 111b, 119a, 119b, or any of the NEJS courses listed above.

D. HBRW 110a, 110b, 111a, 111b, if used to fulfill the requirement

for section A, cannot be counted for the requirement in section C.

E. HBRW 104a, 104b, 106b, 107a, 107b, 110a, 110b, 111a, 111b may satisfy the writing intensive requirement. Not all of the courses are given in any one year. Please consult the Course Schedule each semester. Courses that satisfy the requirement in a particular semester are designated "wi" in the Course Schedule for that semester. Students may double count these courses for requirements in sections A-D.

F. By department rule, a maximum of two semester course credits

taken at other universities may be accepted toward the minor in Hebrew Language and Literature. Each course transferred from another university must have the approval of the Hebrew program in order to be accepted for credit toward the minor requirements. This rule applies to courses completed at any other institution, whether in the United States or abroad. Students are encouraged to seek advance approval from the Hebrew program advisor for all courses intended for transfer credit. For courses taken in Israeli universities, one Brandeis semester credit will be given for a three-hour-per-week-one-semester course; a two-semester, two-hour-per week course; or two, two hour, one-semester courses. Credit is not granted for Ulpan courses.

Students are encouraged to declare their interest in a Hebrew minor by the end of their junior year.


Courses of Instruction



(1-99) Primarily for Undergraduate Students


HBRW 10a Beginning Hebrew

Enrollment limited to 18.

Six class hours and one additional lab hour per week. For students with no previous knowledge and those with a minimal background. Intensive training in the basics of Hebrew grammar, listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Several sections will be offered. Usually offered every semester.

Staff

HBRW 20b Intermediate Hebrew

Prerequisite: HBRW 10a or the equivalent as determined by placement examination. Only one 20-level Hebrew course may be taken for credit. Enrollment limited to 18.

Six class hours and one lab hour per week. Continuation of HBRW 10a, employing the same methods. Several sections offered every semester.

Staff

HBRW 29b Intermediate Hebrew I: Honors

Prerequisite: HBRW 10a or the equivalent as determined by placement examination. Only one 20-level Hebrew course may be taken for credit. Enrollment limited to 18.

This course is more intensive than HBRW 20b. Students are admitted upon recommendation of the director of the Hebrew Language Program. Usually offered every spring.

Staff

HBRW 34a Intermediate Hebrew II: Aspects of Israeli Culture

[ fl ]

Prerequisite: Any 20-level Hebrew course or the equivalent as determined by placement examination. Enrollment limited to 18.

Four class-hours and one lab-hour per week. Continuation of HBRW 20b, developing higher-level skills in reading, writing, and conversation. Contemporary cultural aspects will be stressed and a variety of materials will be used. Usually offered every semester.

Staff

HBRW 35a Conversation and Writing Skills

(Formerly HBRW 31a)

[ fl ]

Prerequisite: HBRW 20b or the equivalent as determined by placement examination. This course is recommended for students who have not previously studied Hebrew at Brandeis and have been placed at this level. Enrollment limited to 18. This course may not be repeated for credit by students who have taken HBRW 31a in previous years.

Four class-hours and one lab-hour per week. Continuation of HBRW 20b, developing higher-level skills in reading, and writing with a review and expansion of grammar. Frequent short essays and listening to tapes in the lab required. Usually offered every fall.

Staff

HBRW 39a Intermediate Hebrew II: Honors

[ fl ]

Prerequisite: HBRW 29b or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 18.

A continuation of HBRW 29b. This course is more intensive than HBRW 34a. Students are admitted upon recommendation of the director of the Hebrew Language Program. Usually offered every fall.

Staff

HBRW 42a Intensive Conversational Hebrew I

[ hum ]

Prerequisite: Any 30-level Hebrew course or the equivalent. Enrollment limited to 18. This course can be taken for credit with HBRW 44b.

For students who have acquired an intermediate knowledge of Hebrew and who wish to develop a greater fluency in conversation. This course does not satisfy the language requirement for the NEJS concentration. Usually offered every spring.

Staff

HBRW 44b Advanced Hebrew: Aspects of Israeli Culture

[ hum ]

Prerequisite: Any 30-level Hebrew course or the equivalent. Students may not take both this course and HBRW 49b for credit. Enrollment limited to 18.

Three class-hours and one lab-hour per week. Reinforces the acquired skills of speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing. Contemporary cultural aspects are stressed; conversational Hebrew and reading of selections from modern literature, political essays, and newspaper articles. This course is required for NEJS concentrators and is recommended for others who would like to continue studying Hebrew beyond the foreign language requirement. It is a prerequisite for many upper level Hebrew courses. Usually offered every semester.

Ms. Ringvald

HBRW 49b Advanced Conversation and Writing Skills: Honors

(Formerly HBRW 41b)

[ hum ]

Prerequisite: Any 30-level Hebrew course, or the equivalent, or placement by the director of the Hebrew Language Program. Students may not take both this course and HBRW 44a for credit. Enrollment limited to 18. This course may not be repeated for credit by students who have taken HBRW 41a in previous years.

Intended for students who have completed HBRW 35a or 39a or by recommendation. Usually offered every spring.

Staff

HBRW 98a Independent Study

Signature of the instructor required.

Usually offered every year.

Staff

HBRW 98b Independent Study

Signature of the instructor required.

Usually offered every year.

Staff


(100-199) For Both Undergraduate and Graduate Students


HBRW 101a Introduction to Classical Hebrew I

[ hum ]

Prerequisite: Any 40-level Hebrew course or the equivalent, except HBRW 42a, as approved by the director of the Hebrew Language Program. Enrollment is limited to 18.

Three class-hours per week. Primarily intended for NEJS concentrators. Concentrates on the study of biblical and classical Hebrew literary works; written and oral expression in modern Hebrew are also stressed. Different primary texts will be studied in HBRW 101a (fall) and HBRW 101b (spring). Usually offered every fall.

Ms. Nevo-Hacohen

HBRW 101b Introduction to Classical Hebrew II

[ hum ]

Enrollment is limited to 18.

See HBRW 101a for special notes and course description. Usually offered every spring.

Ms. Nevo-Hacohen

HBRW 102a Hebrew Reading Proficiency

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Not for credit. Prerequisite: Intermediate knowledge of Hebrew reading. Primarily intended for graduate students. Enrollment is limited to 18.

For graduate students interested in strengthening their reading skills. Emphasizes recognition of grammatical structures in the written language and the acquisition of recognition vocabulary. Intended to help students in their research or in preparation for the Hebrew language exam. Usually offered every fall.

Ms. Nevo-Hacohen

HBRW 102b Advanced Reading Proficiency and Comprehension

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Prerequisite: HBRW 102a or high intermediate reading knowledge of Hebrew. Enrollment is limited to 18.

A continuation of HBRW 102a. Different materials and texts are studied. This class is conducted in English. Usually offered every spring.

Staff

HBRW 103a Intensive Conversational Hebrew II

[ hum ]

Prerequisite: Any 40-level Hebrew course or the equivalent. Topics may vary from semester to semester and may be repeated once for credit with permission of the instructor. Enrollment is limited to 18.

For students who have acquired a basic knowledge of conversational Hebrew and wish to develop greater fluency in conversation. Role playing, vocabulary building, and guided speaking activities develop conversational skills for various situations. Reading and discussion of contemporary texts assist in vocabulary building. One additional hour of lab work or speaking practice is required weekly. Usually offered every semester.

Ms. Azoulay

HBRW 104a Israeli Films

[ hum ]

Prerequisite: Any 40-level Hebrew course or the equivalent. Enrollment is limited to 18.

The course will be concerned with the various aspects of Israeli society as they are portrayed in Israeli television and films. In addition to viewing films, the students will be asked to read Hebrew background materials, to participate in class discussions, and to write in Hebrew about the films. Usually offered every spring.

Mr. Peleg

HBRW 104b Israeli Theater

[ wi hum ]

Prerequisite: Any 40-level Hebrew course or the equivalent. Enrollment is limited to 18.

This course helps students to develop proficiency in the areas of creative writing, speaking, reading, and listening. This is accomplished by reading and viewing (in video) plays from the Israeli theater. Four class-hours and three additional weekly hours of lab work are required. Usually offered every second year.

Ms. Azoulay

HBRW 105a Advanced Hebrew Conversation

[ hum ]

Prerequisite: Any 40-level Hebrew course or permission of the instructor. Enrollment is limited to 18.

For advanced students who want to work on accuracy, fluency, and vocabulary building. Reading of contemporary texts and newspaper articles and listening to Israeli videos will serve as a basis for building higher level speaking proficiency. One additional weekly hour of lab work or speaking practice is required. Usually offered every fall.

Ms. Lavie

HBRW 106b Israel Today

[ hum ]

Prerequisite: Any 40-level Hebrew course or the equivalent. Enrollment is limited to 18.

For advanced students who wish to enhance their proficiency and accuracy in writing and speaking. Plays, essays, current articles from Israeli newspapers, and films provide the basis for written assignments and discussions. Usually offered every spring.

Ms. Lavie

HBRW 107a The Voices of Jerusalem

[ hum ]

Prerequisite: Any 40-level Hebrew course or the equivalent. Enrollment is limited to 18.

This course aims to develop students' proficiency in creative writing, speaking, reading, and listening through the analysis of selected materials that depict the unique tradition, history, politics, art, and other features of Jerusalem's culture. Usually offered every second year. Last offered in the fall of 2000.

Ms. Hascal

HBRW 107b Portrait of an Israeli Woman

[ wi hum ]

Prerequisite: A 40-level HBRW course or its equivalent. Enrollment is limited to 18.

Develops students' proficiency in Hebrew in writing, speaking, reading, and listening through the analysis of authentic selected materials that depict the role, the image, and the changes of the Israeli woman's unique voice through literature, history, politics, art, and tradition throughout the 1900s. Usually offered every second year. Will be offered in the fall of 2001.

Ms. Hascal

HBRW 108b The Revival of Modern Hebrew

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Prerequisite: Any 40-level Hebrew course or the equivalent, as determined by the director of the Hebrew Language Program. Enrollment is limited to 18.

Surveys the origins of the Hebrew language and its development throughout the centuries, focusing on its major stages (biblical, Rabbinic, medieval, and modern). Explores the unique phenomenon of its revival as a spoken language and its adaptation to the modern world. Usually offered every year.

Ms. Porath

HBRW 109a Hebrew Drama--Language through Creativity and Action

[ ca hum ]

Prerequisite: Any 40-level HBRW course or its equivalent, as determined by the director of the Hebrew Language Program. Enrollment is limited to 18. Meets for five class hours per week.

Focuses on the process and various aspects of creativity, improvisations, drama, performance and relaxation techniques, movement, imagination, and other basic skills necessary to act out scenes from various plays in the Hebrew language. Writing assignments and self-critique all enhance the students' skills in language acquisition. The course culminates in the writing of one-act plays in Hebrew along with a theatrical performance and production. Usually offered every year.

Ms. Azoulay

HBRW 110a Introduction to Modern Hebrew Literature I

[ wi hum ]

Prerequisite: Any 40-level Hebrew course or the equivalent, as determined by the director of the Hebrew Language Program. Enrollment is limited to 18.

An introduction to modern Hebrew prose and poetry stressing major trends. Topics include Biblical motifs and love. Students are expected to acquire fluency in reading, writing, and conversation. Usually offered every fall.

Ms. Hascal

HBRW 110b Introduction to Modern Hebrew Literature II

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Prerequisite: Any 40-level Hebrew course or its equivalent, as determined by the director of the Hebrew Language Program. Enrollment is limited to 18.

An introduction to modern Hebrew prose and poetry, stressing major trends. Topics include the Holocaust and the relationship between parents and children. Students are expected to acquire fluency in reading, writing, and conversation. Usually offered every spring.

Ms. Hascal

HBRW 111a Advanced Survey of Hebrew and Israeli Literature I

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Prerequisite: Any 40-level Hebrew course or the equivalent. Enrollment is limited to 18.

Focuses on the themes and unique style of young Israeli writers, stressing the various trends and reactions to different aspects of Israeli daily life during the last two centuries. In addition to reading, class participation and written assignments will be required. Usually offered every second year. Last offered in the spring of 1999.

Ms. Hascal

HBRW 111b Advanced Survey of Hebrew and Israeli Literature II

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Prerequisite: HBRW 111a, any 40-level Hebrew course, or the equivalent. Enrollment is limited to 18.

A continuation of HBRW 111a. Different materials and texts are used. Usually offered every second year. Will be offered in the fall of 2001.

Ms. Hascal

HBRW 119a Proficiency Based Instruction in Modern Hebrew I

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Enrollment is limited to 18.

This course is taught in Hebrew and in English. Designed primarily for students at the advanced level who are interested in eventually being able to teach modern Hebrew. Usually offered every fall.

Ms. Ringvald

HBRW 119b Proficiency Based Instruction in Modern Hebrew II

[ hum ]

Enrollment is limited to 18.

Continuation of HBRW 119a. Students will expand their teaching practicum through internship and learn how to apply their knowledge from the previous semester. Usually offered every spring.

Ms. Ringvald